Whether you live in a condominium unit with a compact balcony or in a mansion with a sprawling backyard, there is a Sub-Zero and Wolf outdoor kitchen suite to fit your need. Money is no object, especially not if you are muttering Sub-Zero and Wolf in the same breath. These, after all, are leading, if not legendary, US-based manufacturers of luxury appliances.
“We already have people buying our outdoor grill. With the outdoor-rated refrigerator and outdoor warming drawer, these complete the country’s most powerful al fresco kitchen suite to date,” said Stephen Sy, the self-made entrepreneur who started his Focus Global Inc. empire from selling Coleman jugs.
“When you have an outdoor grill, you don’t leave the cooking to someone else. You do it yourself. Your guests can join, too. You can really enjoy your outdoor space,” added Sy.
For multi-awarded chef Tony Boy Escalante of Antonio’s Tagaytay, who prepared an exclusive tasting menu during the launching of the outdoor kitchen suite, the experience of grilling outdoors with family and friends is priceless.
“Grilling is fun. You can entertain and drink while cooking. Nothing beats the taste and aroma of smoked meat,” he said.
The Sub-Zero outdoor-rated refrigeration drawer is engineered to take on ambient temperatures of up to 43-degree Celsius. Clad in heavy-gauge stainless steel that can withstand UV rays, salt and moisture—elements that would corrode lesser quality materials—it is built to create a low-temperature, high-humidity environment that is key to optimum preservation.
“Since it is available in a 24-inch width, those living in condos or more compact areas can enjoy this powerful appliance in even the smallest corner of your outdoor living area,” said Sy.
Wolf’s outdoor grill, on the other hand, puts precise control and guesswork-free cooking in your hands with its sophisticated heating system—direct heat from powerful gas burners evenly absorbed by a layer of ceramic briquettes and distributed uniformly to the top surface. The grill comes as well with a rotisserie system powered by an infrared burner, so you can rotate a whole chicken or even a leg of lamb without a hitch. Its 36-inch variety even has a dedicated infrared sear zone that does an excellent job at sealing juices and flavors. Together with Wolf’s warming drawer, which is available in 30-inch and 36-inch widths, these ensure serving perfect hot-off-the-grill meat every time.
Of course, an outdoor kitchen suite built to last a lifetime comes at a price, too. The 36-inch width grill fetches for about P450,000. It commands a higher price at around P642,000 if you buy it with the cart. The outdoor-rated refrigeration drawer, on the other hand, is priced at P396,000.
The six-digit prices may sound outrageous, but Sy, who brought to the country a few years ago Dornbracht’s 24k gold-plated faucets as well as Tempur pillows and mattresses, believes there is a market for premium, high-quality products like Sub-Zero and Wolf.
“Sometimes you have to create the demand. People don’t realize they need something until it becomes available,” he said.
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